Putin Welcomes Freed Russians in Historic Prisoner Swap

President Vladimir Putin gave a hero's welcome to eight Russian nationals freed in a historic East-West prisoner exchange. Among those returned were spies, cybercriminals, and a hitman. In return, Moscow released U.S. journalist Evan Gershkovich and ex-Marine Paul Whelan. State awards and discussions about their futures were promised.

President Vladimir Putin welcomed eight Russian nationals returning from an East-West prisoner exchange at a Moscow airport on Thursday, offering state awards and future conversations about their roles. This historic swap, the largest since the Cold War, included key figures such as Vadim Krasikov, a hitman convicted in Germany, and cybercriminals Vladislav Klyushin and Roman Seleznyov.

The exchange also returned a Russian family accused of spying in Slovenia. In return, the U.S. secured the release of journalist Evan Gershkovich and ex-Marine Paul Whelan. Putin, alongside top Russian intelligence and defense officials, greeted the returnees with a red-carpet ceremony and words of gratitude for their loyalty.

Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev emphasized the importance of bringing back nationals over keeping traitors in prison. He remarked on his Telegram channel that traitors should fear for their lives while Russia ensures its own people return home safely.